American Cheerleader

Name: Lacey Weiner

Nickname: Lacerrr

Best Known For: Being the youngest VP at a record label.

Home Town: Tuscaloosa, AL

Age: 18

Lacey gets her groove on as a VP!

AC: Word has it, you’re the youngest executive in the music biz. How’d you score the title of VP of Promotions at Indigo Planet Records? Lacey: I started a band promotion site a few years ago, because of my love of music. I was promoting a band that Dave Kosciolek (my current boss) was working with as well. He found out what I was doing and was impressed with what he saw. He offered me a position with the label and within about five months, I’d worked my way up to VP of Promotions.

AC: Wow! How did it feel to be recruited by a music label? Lacey: It was exciting! Being so young, I didn’t really know what to expect, but we took it slow and I realized just how much IPR cares about its artists and music in general.

AC: What’s a typical workday like for you? Lacey: One of the great things about working for IPR is that it’s not your typical 9-to-5 job. I work based on projects. A lot of the promotion is done via e-mail or online during  off-hours, then followed up by phone during my down time. Weeks before shows and releases are much busier.

AC: You’re working on a benefit CD with a group of well-known artists to help out the non-profit organization Invisible Children. What was the inspiration for this project? Lacey: The project was Dave’s idea, but the concept was mine. I chose Invisible Children because I’ve been a supporter of them for some time now. It’s an amazing organization that’s trying to bring awareness to the cause [which helps bring awareness of the war in Africa and offers assistance where its needed].

AC: What’s been the coolest thing about your job so far? Lacey: Aside from working for the best boss ever, I’d have to say getting the chance to make a difference in the world. It’s an amazing opportunity to be a part of the Invisible Children organization.

AC: What is it about music that inspires you? Who are your favorite artists? Lacey: The wonderful thing about music is that it can take you away from reality for a little while. One of my favorite quotes is “inside your headphones the outside world doesn’t matter.” Some of my favorite artists are Fireflight, Paramore, Fall Out Boy, Hey Monday and some of the IPR roster members like Travis Tooke, Tina Vero and Samantha Lu. It makes it much easier to promote when you really like the music you’re promoting!

AC: Who’s the coolest band/artist you’ve met so far? Lacey: Because I run promotions from my hometown of Tuscaloosa, I haven’t traveled a great deal yet. But I’ve communicated regularly with Ryan Ross (formerly of Panic at the Disco, now with the Young Veins), Brendon Urie (Panic At The Disco) and Pete Wentz (Fall Out Boy). All of the IPR artists have been awesome to work with, too.

Check out Samantha Lu

AC: What songs would be on your ultimate playlist? Lacey: At this moment my number one song would be “Fireflies” by Owl City. It’s such a cute song. And “Heads Will Roll” by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs would be on there, too. Those are the only specific songs I’d pick. Oh, and “Where You Belong” by IPR’s Samantha Lu. It’s a truly beautiful and inspirational song.

AC: Is there anything about the music industry that’s surprised you? Lacey: I think the reason I’ve lasted longer than most people who go into music promotion is that I always knew it wouldn’t be glamorous. Knowing this made things much easier to accept.

AC: Who should we be on the lookout for this upcoming year? Lacey: Jerzy Jung, Samantha Lu and Justina to name a few. They’re all on our benefit CD. Many of the artists actually went into the studio on their own dime just to contribute new songs to the CD. Go to indigoplanetrecords.com and purchase one for $10.

AC: Are you still going to school? Is this a career for you? Lacey: I actually just started college this fall. And I’d love to continue doing what I’m doing and make this my career.

Lacey brings some cheer to her job...

AC: You were actually a cheerleader growing up! Can you tell us how cheer’s influenced your professional and personal life? Lacey: I’ve cheered most of my life—ever since I was about 5 years old. I used to cheer for Brandon Allstars in Tampa, FL, and I love them! Cheer has been such a positive influence on me, and I have so many fond memories because of it. It’s helped with my shyness and taught me dedication, determination and made me comfortable being in front of large audiences. Most of all, it’s given me confidence and ambition, which has helped me both in my personal and professional life. So many good things have come from my being a cheerleader.

AC: What do you wish you had more time to do? Lacey: Relax! With school and work I’m always on the go.

AC: If you weren’t involved in the music industry, what would you want to be? Lacey: I’d want to do something in the healthcare field, probably anesthesiology.

AC: Do you have any musical aspirations? Lacey: I wish I could play the piano. But as far as singing goes, unfortunately I don’t have the voice for it.

AC: What was the best advice you ever got? Lacey: My parents have always told me to be true to myself and follow my heart. I once heard that someone who loves their job never works a day in their life.

AC: Who would you die to see in concert? Lacey: That’s easy! The Beatles!

AC: Any advice for other teens who are looking to follow a similar career path? Lacey: Go for it! If there’s something you truly love and want to do, it’s never too early to get started.